Global Youth Service Day Sparks Service Around the World

London Miller’s experience volunteering with United Way of Greater Toledo on Global Youth Service Day last year was so great that it sparked a commitment to give back again and again. Since then, she has signed on to volunteer regularly with Toledo GROWS, an urban community garden and farm which served more than 6,500 people last year.

This is just one story of the impact from mobilizing young people all across the globe for Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), held this year on April 22. United Way of Greater Toledo is hosting one of the largest GYSD events by connecting over 100 groups of more than 2,800 youth to local projects. Local partners like The Chrysler Foundation, Buckeye Broadband, State Farm and Vito’s Pizza and Subs are supporting the day’s events. With volunteering at the heart of United Way’s commitment to advance the common good, we are proud to be a national and global partner with YSA, an international leader in the youth service movement and founder of what is now the largest annual youth service event in the world.

Global Youth Service Day events like this one are designed to inspire and empower young people to do what they can through service and picture a bright future for themselves and their communities. Young people know that community service has the potential to be positive and life-changing in more ways than one. The connections we form through volunteering -- to individuals, our community and our world – are an important part of a healthy and happy life.

How are youth making a difference in your community? Share your stories here, on Global Youth Service Day, or any day.